Interested in exploring Oklahoma’s storied history?
Metropolitan Library System has curated numerous Oklahoma resources, so you’re bound to strike information gold. Our Special Collections department maintains the Oklahoma Collection which is located in the Oklahoma Room on the 2nd floor of the Downtown Library. The collection contains books about Oklahoma and Oklahomans, or those written by Oklahomans, as well as maps, photos and other documents useful to the understanding of Oklahoma history.
Don’t forget to check out our newly reformatted Digital Special Collection for Oklahoma-related content that is only available at Metro.
Blogs
Every day is Earth Day at Martin Park Nature Center
The Martin Park Nature Center Collection was added to the archives last fall, just in time for the 50 year anniversary of the park's dedication. Materials collected from the nature center include maps, brochures, park newsletters and photographs and newspaper articles about park events kept in th...
April is National Poetry Month 🕮
“We need mental and spiritual food along the way as much as we need food, clothing, and shelter - that is where poetry comes in. Poetry always appears at times of transition, transformation, and shift, and for times of grieving, for getting work done, and for joy."
- Joy Harjo, 23rd P...
Events
Join biographer Betty Blanks as she shares some of Wilma McDaniel's poetry, and her story moving from Oklahoma to California during the Dust Bowl.
Preserving Oklahoma History with the Black Living Legacy App
Learn about Oklahoma City's Black historical sites, legacies, and artifacts through this introduction to the Black Living Legacies app.
Come join Ralph Ellison Library for an educational scavenger hunt about OKC metro landmarks! Find all the pictures of the landmarks hidden around the library and you can earn a prize!
*Prizes available while supplies last.
Disclaimer(s)
It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.
Come join Ralph Ellison Library for an educational scavenger hunt about OKC metro landmarks! Find all the pictures of the landmarks hidden around the library and you can earn a prize!
*Prizes available while supplies last.
Disclaimer(s)
It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.
The Oklahoma Hall of Fame | Gaylord Pickens Museum proudly presents Oklahoma Originals. This educational program for 1st - 5th grade students is rooted in the story of Ralph Waldo Ellison, an author, essayist, musician, photographer, and scholar.
Lost History, Arts Edition: Rediscovering Tales of Oklahoma's Past
Rediscover tales of Oklahoma's past (and present!) in this exciting discussion series led by local Oklahoma historians and artists. Each week, we will rediscover a new aspect of Oklahoma history you probably didn't cover in your Oklahoma His
Databases
A to Z Maps Online
Provides access to over 100,000 various types of maps for the U.S., world countries and continents. A to Z Maps Online contains a large number of specialized maps like antique maps, bathymetric and fishing maps, climate change maps, environmental maps, geography and geology maps, Holy Land maps, tree and bird distribution maps, and more. It also contains flags from world countries and international organizations.
A to Z the USA
This database contains state, county and city information for all U.S. states and territories. It lists facts and statistics about arts and culture, climate and weather, demographics, flags and seals, government and politics, history, maps, photos, and more.
A to Z World Travel
Contains travel guides for over 200 world cities. Each guide contains helpful information about a particular city's food and restaurants, climate and weather, embassies/consulates, health and medical services, travel essentials, money and banking, electrical and telecommunication requirements, and more.
Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids
An educational tool intended to teach K-12 students about our nation’s Federal government, history and political structure. Provided by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
OK2Explore
Ok2Explore is a free searchable index of births and deaths that occurred in the state of Oklahoma. Included is limited information on births occurring more than 20 years ago and deaths occurring more than 5 years ago. You may search the index using any combination of the subject’s name, date of event (birth or death), county of event, and sex.
Oklahoma News Sources
Provides full-text access to dozens of local, statewide, and college/university newspapers and transcripts from television stations across Oklahoma. Includes full-text and image editions of The Oklahoman and Tulsa World, including today’s full-color, digital edition of The Oklahoman.
Collections
Metro Library Podcast
Offering Oklahoma-themed podcasts celebrating Oklahoma arts, culture and history as well as the lives of influential Oklahomans today, the Metro Library Podcast is produced by the Special Collections of the Metropolitan Library System.